Catasauqua Board Rejects Junior Varsity Program Soccer

The Catasauqua Area School Board last night narrowly defeated a proposal that would have established a junior varsity soccer program in the district for at least two years.

Currently, about 37 students in grades 8-12 play intramural soccer sponsored by the school district.

The board voted 5-4 to reject a junior varsity soccer program for the 1986-88 school years, at a cost of about $5,200 the first season. The district's athletic council recommended the board approve the program.

Voting against the proposal were Sterling Harvey, Bennett Koppenhauer, Richard Miller, William Wittman and Michael Rieker. Those in favor were Pat Stuber, Elaine Melton, Frank Olszewski and Donna Atkinson.

The proposal stated that the soccer program would have been reviewed by the board after two seasons to decide whether it should continue.

Besides the cost, members of the board questioned whether there would be enough locker room space. Superintendent Frank Farrell said there would be enough lockers for another team but that "it would be crowded." He said $5,200 would cover start-up costs for uniforms and other first year expenses. The district already owns goals.